Canadian Ships (HMCS) Vancouver and Winnipeg Arrive in Kure, Japan
October 20, 2022 – Tokyo
Canada is deeply committed to strengthening partnerships with Japan to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive, sustainable, resilient and based on the rule-of-law. In support of this, the Canadian Armed Forces have committed multifaceted, enduring and sustainable deployments to the region, including Japan.
From October 21, 2022 Canadian Ships (HMCS) Vancouver and Winnipeg will conduct a port visit to Kure, Japan, as part of Canada’s defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific this fall. The ships and aircraft will remain in the region until November 2022, supporting both Operation (Op) PROJECTION and Op NEON.
During the port visit in Kure, Canadian Armed Forces members will engage with local counterparts and stakeholders to promote collaboration and friendship, including a media tour. The comprehensive program includes a CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft deployed to Japan.
Canada and Japan share a longstanding relationship underpinned by considerable and growing defence ties. On October 11, 2022, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, and Hayashi Yoshimasa, Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, announced the launch of negotiations for a General Security of Information Agreement. The agreement will help facilitate information sharing, support defence procurement, and deepen the Canada-Japan strategic partnership through improving interoperability.
Under Op NEON, Canada has been a committed partner, alongside Japan, in a multilateral initiative to counter North Korea’s maritime sanctions evasion. This has included both Royal Canadian Air Force maritime surveillance aircraft and Royal Canadian Navy frigates operating in the region.
Quotes
“Canada values its strong and growing bilateral defence relationship with Japan. We consider Japan an important partner in the Indo-Pacific, and appreciate the critical role Japan plays in the overall peace, stability, and prosperity of the region.”
“HMCS Vancouver’s conduct of Operation NEON, and our upcoming port visit to Kure, the ship’s second port visit to Japan during our deployment, is a demonstration of Canada’s commitment to working with like-minded partners such as Japan to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. We are happy to join our HMCS Winnipeg teammates as the first Canadian warships to return to a Japanese base since before the pandemic, and to continue building on our strong relationship with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.”
“HMCS Winnipeg had the opportunity to work with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force during Exercise Rim of the Pacific and during Operation PROJECTION. We are the first Royal Canadian Navy frigate to conduct a replenishment at sea with a Japanese helicopter carrier,JS Izumo, and we look forward to continuing to build on this relationship and our interoperability during our visit in Kure, Japan. As per our motto “One with the strength of many,” HMCS Winnipeg is ready to enhance relationships with Canada’s allies and partners, and to uphold Canada’s ongoing commitment to global peace and security.”
Quick facts
- HMCS Vancouver and Winnipeg are deployed to the Indo-Pacific region on Operation PROJECTION from August 4 to December 5, 2022, to conduct forward naval presence operations and cooperative deployments in the region. During their deployment, HMCS Vancouver will also support Operation NEON, Canada’s contribution to the monitoring of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea.
- HMCS Vancouver and Winnipeg each have approximately 230 personnel comprised of Royal Canadian Navy sailors and a Royal Canadian Air Force detachment who are well prepared to meet the challenges of their deployment. Additionally, each ship is outfitted with an embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter specializing in anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue roles. These Royal Canadian Navy frigates are delivering robust capabilities working with partner navies to strengthen international partnerships and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The 2010 Canada-Japan Joint Declaration on Political, Peace and Security Cooperation was established to deepen the partnership between Canada and Japan on regional and global security issues. The declaration centerpiece was created from the Political, Peace and Security Subcabinet “2+2” Dialogue, which commits Canada and Japan to undertake regular bilateral meetings between deputy minister-level officials responsible for foreign affairs and defence. The most recent 2+2 Dialogue took place virtually in March 2022.
- Japan has the world’s third-largest national economy. With a gross domestic product of $6.2 trillion in 2021, it is one of Canada’s most important economic and commercial partners, and largest source of bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI) in Asia. FDI from Japan into Canada was valued at $46 billion in 2021.
- Japan is also Canada’s fourth-largest partner in two-way merchandise trade. Canada’s exports of merchandise to Japan totaled $14.5 billion in 2021, while imports from Japan were $15.5 billion.
- Canada and Japan are partners in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership that came into effect on December 30, 2018.
Associated links
Contacts
Embassy of Canada to Japan, Media Relations
Tel: 03-5412-6444
Email: tokyo-media@international.gc.ca
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